Tikchik Narrows Lodge, AK

Orvis-Endorsed Fly-Fishing Lodge in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Overview

The Main Lodge is located on the tip of a narrow peninsula which separates Tikchik and Nuyukuk Lakes (Tikchik Narrows).The Main Lodge has large comfortable lounging areas with a natural stone fireplace and a unique circular dining room which is suspended above the lake. Both the Main Lodge and dining room are enclosed by large picture windows, which offer a spectacular panoramic view to take in while enjoying our gourmet meals.

The Main Lodge has a full service bar and a large deck overlooking the Narrows where you can fish right in front of the lodge. The lodge is only 310 feet above sea level and Nuyukuk Lake is 24 miles long and over 900 feet in depth.

When you stay with us at Tikchik Narrows Lodge, you will experience the finest luxury lodging accommodations in the wilderness of Bristol Bay, Alaska! As a guest of Tikchik Narrows Lodge, your luxury guest accommodations are in duplex cabins equipped with all of the modern conveniences. Each large room has a separate entrance, private bathroom, independent heat and hot water and is fully carpeted. Most of our guest rooms have a queen bed and a single bed. We have 3 cabins (6 rooms) that have a queen bed and two single beds. We have a limited number of single occupancy rooms.

Each cabin shares a common porch and is located on the shore of the lake overlooking the dock and planes with a spectacular view of the Kilbuck Mountains of Bristol Bay, Alaska.

We are committed to providing a level of luxury service not ordinarily found at an Alaskan fishing lodge especially one located in the Alaska wilderness of Bristol Bay. At Tikchik we go above and beyond to add that special touch to your stay. Whether it means flying extra miles to show you a grizzly bear, flying an extra trip to accommodate a special fishing request, or having our chef cook your fish just the way you like it, we are here to make your trip memorable.

Airplanes - Tikchik owns and operates 4 float equipped aircraft. We have three 6 - passenger DeHavilland Beavers, along with one 4 - passenger Cessna 206. Our aircraft are in excellent condition and are well maintained throughout the season. We have a full time aircraft mechanic on staff at the Lodge throughout the summer.

Boats - Tikchik owns over 40 boats which are located throughout the region for access to our extensive fishing program. We have boats on 6 different watersheds in Bristol Bay. The use of these boats allows our guides the mobility to provide our anglers with the best fishing each day. Many of our boats are equipped with jets, which allows our anglers access to the shallow headwaters of many rivers for better fishing.
Safety - Our number one priority is safety. Above all else our goal is to ensure each day's adventures are safe.

Pilots - Our pilot's are all veteran Tikchik pilots with many years of flying bush planes in Alaska. Tikchik is a FAA certificated Air Charter service. Our Pilots have training each year, both ground school refresher courses along with recurring flight training and FAA check rides. Our pilots adhere to drug and alcohol testing as required by the FAA.

Date Range

Third week of June to middle of September.

What is Provided to Customer

As a guest of Tikchik Narrows Lodge we provide all of the rods, spinning and fly rods, reels, flies, lures, leaders, and tippets that you will need for your week's fishing as part of the package price. We have a full time tackle shop manager to ensure that all of the tackle is well-maintained and supplies of flies, lures and accessories are available.

Each day your guides will have rods and equipment available for your use. Your guide will inquire the evening before as to your individual preference of rod selection and right or left hand retrieve. At our remote camps (where we house our guides at a camp on the river), the guides will have been notified the evening before via radio or Sat phone as to each angler's preference and will have the rods ready to fish upon the guest's arrival. This increases fishing time by not having to set up and tear down rods each day.

As an Orvis-Endorsed Lodge we pride ourselves on having excellent fishing equipment and an extensive selection of tackle, flies, lures, leaders, etc. Tikchik guides want each angler to be successful. They are creative and demanding of themselves and Tikchik to provide the necessary equipment and tackle to be fully prepared for each day's fishing.

Anglers are welcome to bring their favorite rod or all of their own equipment and we will provide a what to bring list for those choosing to do so. Unfortunately, we do not provide nor have available waders or hip boots.

Region/Terrain Where You Fish

Nowhere else in the world will you find a greater variety and volume of sport fish than in Bristol Bay Alaska. Called the Salmon factory of the world, Bristol Bay offers five species of salmon: king, sockeye, chum, pink and silver salmon along with 7 species of fresh water fish: rainbow trout, Arctic char, Arctic grayling, Dolly Varden, lake trout and northern pike.

Typical Weather by Season

Throughout the summer the temperatures will range from the low 50s to the mid 70s. The temperatures in mid to late September are slightly cooler with the temperatures in the low 40s to high 50s during the day. In late September, it is possible to have a frost at night; however, this usually happens during clear skies, and the days will be sunny and pleasantly warm.

The weather is unpredictable and can easily reach both extremes during any week of our season. Bristol Bay is famous for its storms and rainy weather. Each year is different and totally unpredictable. Generally, June and July are dryer than August and September. The June and July days are quite long with little darkness. As the days become shorter in the fall, our temperatures will fall accordingly. Our weather can also change very quickly. Proper clothing and being prepared is the key to a comfortable trip.

Itinerary

Sample of Typical Itinerary

Each day’s fishing assignments are scheduled the evening before. Head Guide “Chip King” will review your day’s fishing and discuss the many options with each angler. Where we fish will depend on our angler’s preferences. After dinner each angler will know where they will be fishing, who their pilot is, and who their guide will be for the next day.

The guides will then meet with each angler to let them know how to prepare for the next day’s fishing adventure. If you are using your own equipment, the guides will recommend what rods to take. The guides will also discuss lunch options and beverages.

Breakfast to order is served between 6:45 AM and 7:15 AM. The airplanes, boats and guides are ready to depart shortly after breakfast. We return to the Lodge each evening between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Cocktails are delivered to your room upon request. The pilots call in your drink orders ahead of time, so they can be in your room upon arrival.

Hors d’oeuvres and cocktails are served from 6:00 PM until dinner at approximately 7:00 PM.

Meals at Tikchik reflect the best of Pacific Northwest cuisine with an Alaskan flare. Our gourmet dinners feature Alaska king crab, filet mignon, halibut, a selection of Alaskan fresh fish and shellfish, New York steaks and duck. We serve freshly baked breads, pastries and desserts.

Our produce is flown in weekly and is supplemented by our own greenhouse to provide fresh, crisp salads, herbs and vegetables. Dining at Tikchik is far and above what most anglers would associate with a fishing lodge, let alone a lodge as remote as Tikchik.

Our guests start each day off with a hearty cooked-to-order breakfast or enjoy our breakfast bar of fresh fruits, cereals and baked goods. Lunches are packed picnic-style for a streamside meal or we will prepare a shore-lunch of freshly caught salmon cooked by one of our expert guides. Our shore lunches have quite a reputation and are definitely a pleasure you won’t want to miss.

Our hors d’oeuvres will delight you with local specialties of smoked salmon, gravlox, salmon caviar, pickled salmon, reindeer sausage, caribou and moose tenders along with other specialties. Complimentary wine is always served with dinner. We feature a selection of wines from California, Chile, and Australia.

Species You Fish for by Season

Gear

What Should Customers Bring?

Alaska’s weather is unpredictable – a warm, sunny morning can turn to cool showers all within a day’s fishing. To counter this range of climactic conditions, we highly recommend the layer method of dressing. Long sleeve shirts, polartec or fleece pullovers along with a Gore-Tex outer shell work well. As our Alaskan summer temperatures change, you can take off a layer or add one. Because you will have your waterproof day pack/bag you can pack extra layers in the morning and they will be dry for you as the need arises.

For mid-August through September you should bring an extra heavier layer. Long underwear, a sweatshirt or sweater along with neoprene fishing gloves and a warmer hat for under your rain gear will be adequate.

Lodge attire at the Lodge is informal; casual and comfortable is appropriate. Do not forget shorts for those hot summer evenings.

Rain Gear: It is important that you bring good quality rain gear. The highest quality Gore-Tex “storm wear” coats with hoods are required. Because you will be wearing waders, you will not need rain pants.

Day Pack: You should bring a waterproof day pack/bag for carrying your rain gear, extra layers of clothing, camera, and anything else you might need during the day.

Waders: We recommend the Gore-Tex or nylon breathable waders. They are very durable, the most comfortable and easy to pack. Depending on the temperatures, you can wear the appropriate clothes under your waders to stay warm or cool. You will find either stocking-foot waders or boot-foot waders are fine choices. We typically do not have long hikes or strenuous wading.
You should bring felts or the new grip “non-slip” soles. Please do not bring waders or wading boots with studs. They are quite slippery in the aluminum boats and tear up the floats and floors of our aircraft.

Sunglasses: Good quality polarized sun glasses are a necessity for fishing in Alaska. Glasses protect your eyes from flies and lures. They also allow you to see what the guides see. Whether it is sight-fishing for trout or observing a school of salmon, polarized glasses are an important tool in fishing. It is a good idea to bring a spare pair of sunglasses.

Other Items to Bring:

Insect repellent – We recommend pump spray or roll-on with 15% to 20% DEET. 100% DEET is not necessary.

Sun block – Even though this is Alaska, our sun can be very intense, especially intensified by the reflections off of the water.

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